Kenneth James Pierpoint..A shannon class lifeboat

Fleetwood is preparing for a momentous occasion this Sunday when the town’s new £2.2m state-of the-art lifeboat finally arrives.

The town has not had a new lifeboat vessel since the old Tyne-class boat William Street arrived in October 1989 - nearly 27 years ago.Shannon class vessel, the Kenneth James Pierpoint, is due to arrive at approximately 1.15pm, depending on conditions

And to mark the big occasion, The Band and Drum Corp of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire) will be on hand to salute the boat as she comes into the RNLI boat pen.

Crowds are expected to gather to welcome the gleaming vessel, which has been constructed from scratch down at the RNLI’s HQ in Poole, Dorset.Dave Eccles, Fleetwood RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said everyone at the station has been looking forward to the vessel’s arrival for months.He said: “While we will miss the William Street, which has served our station incredibly well for 27 years, the arrival of our new lifeboat will bring about a new era of lifesaving for Fleetwood RNLI.“The Shannon is capable of speeds of 25 knots, almost 50 per cent faster than our current lifeboat, and is more manoeuvrable. That means our crew will reach casualties more quickly and effectively, increasing the chances of saving their lives.”